Two Broke Watch Snobs
Best Dive Watches Under $300 We’ve Ever Reviewed
We look beyond spec sheets to find dive watches under $300 that stay comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable long after the initial purchase.
6,808 articles · 79 videos found · page 98 of 230
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We look beyond spec sheets to find dive watches under $300 that stay comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable long after the initial purchase.
Fratello
If I asked you to draft a list of iconic dress watches, it probably wouldn’t take you long to come up with some answers. And it would not be unreasonable to assume that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso would be on that list. And it would not be strange to assume that it would also be one […] Visit The Best Entry-Level Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Is The Downsized Tribute Duoface Small Seconds to read the full article.
Fratello
The option of being like Thomas and picking the Rolex Explorer II for the best watch I have ever owned was tempting. I thought about it, and yes, my Explorer II 16570 “Polar” was a very good watch in many ways. But it wasn’t the best one I have ever owned. The biggest flaw? The […] Visit The Best Watch I Have Ever Owned: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Ranging from attainable to grail-worthy pieces, these light blue watches are cool as ice.
Fratello
Exactly a month ago, Thomas kicked off a series on the best watches we’ve ever owned. The idea is for each writer to describe his favorite watch, the one that served him most loyally and brought the most joy. Mine comes with a twist: it’s a watch I never technically owned, yet for over a […] Visit The Best Watch I Have Ever Owned: How The Tudor Black Bay Pro Became The Best Watch I Almost Owned to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Following TAG Heuer’s first collaboration with Japanese racing squad Team Ikuzawa and Bamford Watch Department in 2023, the trio has returned for a second lap with the limited edition TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Team Ikuzawa, bringing the red-and-white livery of the racing legend to the popular “glassbox” format for the first time. Initial thoughts Unlike many other legacy Swiss watch brands, TAG Heuer has demonstrated an ability to reach beyond traditional design influences to infuse its watches with a diverse range of elements from contemporary fashion. Last year’s Fujiwara streetwear collab is a prime example. With racing being so strongly linked to TAG Heuer’s history and brand identity, the collaboration with Ikuzawa is conceptually very fitting and extends the brand’s reach beyond the starting grid, deeper into motorsport culture. The Carrera Ikuzawa gets the mid-sized 39 mm ‘glassbox’ case, which is just under 14 mm thick. The case takes its name from its dramatically domed crystal, which encompasses the raised dial flange underneath, in place of a traditional bezel. Despite numerous vintage design cues, the Carrera Ikuzawa doesn’t look or feel like a vintage watch or vintage reissue. The clous de Paris dial texture and the depth of the ‘glassbox’ construction help it maintain its contemporary look. A Chrono-first dial With so much in common with the standard Carrera, much of the difference is down to the dial, which blends design cues from...
SJX Watches
The return of the Vacheron Constantin Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar got us thinking about other technically interesting watches that showed promise but never truly found their footing. In episode 47 of the SJX Podcast, SJX and Brandon discuss recent releases from Seiko, IWC, and Swatch before turning to candidates for a second chance, including the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars AP Escapement, the TAG Heuer Monaco V4, and the elusive Breguet Hommage à Nicolas G. Hayek 7887. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Fratello
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, Mike is in Florida, and Balazs is in Hungary. But we’re here for you! In today’s discussion, we tackle a listener suggestion. We’re talking about entry-level watches and how brands approach this. Hint: it’s very different today, with greater expectations from the buyer. This podcast […] Visit Fratello On Air: Rethinking The Definition Of Entry-Level Watches to read the full article.
Monochrome
Every summer, the classic car world flocks to Monterey, California, for what is known as the Monterey Car Week. Over ten days, attendees will have the chance to spend time among the rarest and most special cars ever created, with races, rallies, car shows and the prestigious Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance all taking place during […]
Hodinkee
Happy Friday, everyone, and I hope you're all staying busy during summer's dog days, perhaps seeing The Odyssey or reading about Milsubs (please note I'm including that not because I have any dog in that fight, just found it interesting). Scorekeeping last week's picks: the Hermès Caleche sold, the Angelus chronograph passed, the Rolex GMT Master II SARU remains available, as does the Bulova White Princ. The Goldberger collection auctions tomorrow. Strays Photo courtesy Weiss Auctions. If you're into impossible projects, here's a decent-looking Heuer 3647T that's missing its outer seconds track. If you know your Carreras, you know that track's actually a tension ring, and you likely also know it's gonna be quite a search indeed to find another, but here at BAL, we scoff at impossible projects. If you'd prefer to chase your own vintage Tudor Ranger rather than buy one of the ones highlighted two weeks back, have at it. For the completist who'd like every last horological oddity, I present this Pigeon Timer. I'm including this Movado M90 not because it's without flaw, but because it's already been bid up to $3750 at the time of writing, which seems high for what's likely mostly a parts watch (that dial can't be original, right?). Please, experts, weigh in in the comments. Finally, here's a wonderful Omega Ranchero. A few weeks back I highlighted an Omega Railmaster (there's another of those up this week, too). I'm highlighting each of them simply because they're so often...
Worn & Wound
We’re about half a year removed from the release of Toledano & Chan’s b/1.3r, certainly the brand’s most ambitious release to date with a solid gold dial, subtly updated case construction, and their first “Swiss Made” designation. They’ve followed up that launch with their first collaboration with The Horologly Club, the Hong Kong based watch collecting community (which actually has members all over the world, including T&C; cofounder Alfred Chan), just announced this morning. The new limited edition, which they’ve called the Breutalist, takes on a familiar form with some very specific design codes that fans of the brand will likely welcome. The distinctive shape of Toledano & Chan’s watches have taken inspiration from the former Whitney Museum building, designed by Marcel Breuer, from the very beginning. The building is considered a masterpiece of Brutalism, an architectural discipline often cited as inspiration by watch designers, but rarely actually “getting it” in the way Toledano & Chan does (they ship their watches in concrete presentation boxes, which puts them miles ahead of other so-called Brutalist brands, in my opinion). The design of the iconic windows in that building, specifically, is what lends T&C;’s watches their distinctive, asymmetrical shape, and informs the shape of the crystal, which has become a T&C; calling card. The idea behind the Breutalist is to be far more straightforward and literal in what it takes from Brutalism and Breu...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Looking for Rolex Explorer alternatives under $1,000? Check out the top options we tested for comfort, legibility, durability, versatility, and lasting value.
Fratello
As a traditionalist, I’m not always attracted to modern Haute Horlogerie watches. However, I always have time for new releases from Armin Strom. The independent brand’s attention to detail and supreme movement prowess get my attention. Lately, there have even been smaller models that could fit my wrist if funds allowed. Today’s new Mirrored Force […] Visit Catching Scarlet Fever With The New Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Red to read the full article.
Fratello
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss watch brands, models, and styles that we like but would probably never buy. To be clear, this episode isn’t about picking on anyone or anything. Instead, there are other reasons these pieces aren’t on our wrists and may never be. This podcast player […] Visit Fratello On Air: Watches, Brands, And Styles We Like But Would Probably Never Buy to read the full article.
Deployant
Looking for a statement timepiece to level up your current watch collection? We have six watches that may be worth your consideration.
Time+Tide
HSNY's Melbourne watchmaking classes are being hosted at the Time+Tide Studio on Collins Street, book a spot before it's too late!
Time+Tide
Unconventional time display specialists DWISS are celebrating their 15th anniversary, and have released two special S1's to mark the occasion
Monochrome
How much horsepower is enough? Or better yet, how much horsepower is too much? While there’s surely no definitive answer, it seems like there’s no end to the power craze in performance cars. The latest generation of Super- and Hypercars are almost always pushing 1,000-horsepower figures, or more, and we’re not even touching upon full […]
Fratello
The Axia FIFA World Cup 2026 watches celebrate the biggest tournament in the world’s most popular sport. Rather than launching a single commemorative model, Axia has created a suite of officially licensed watches built around the FIFA World Cup 2026 itself and selected national teams. If your national jersey doesn’t quite show your colors enough, […] Visit Show Your Colors With The Axia FIFA World Cup 2026 Watches to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Windup Watch Fair Chicago is almost here, and we’re excited to share everything happening throughout the weekend. Over the last four years, Chicago has become one of our fastest-growing events, so this year we’re moving into a brand-new venue with more space, more natural light, and more room to explore. Join us at Morgan MFG, a beautiful industrial venue just steps from Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market district. Windup Watch Fair Chicago Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 Morgan MFG 401 N Morgan St. Suite #100 Chicago, IL 60642 Free and open to everyone. No registration required. We’re also proud to welcome our Lead Sponsors for Windup Watch Fair Chicago 2026: Atelier Wen, Christopher Ward, Citizen, eBay Live, and Oris. Together with more than 70 exhibiting brands from around the world, they’ll help make this our biggest Chicago show yet. As you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by our friends at Omologato, who have partnered with Chip Ganassi Racing to bring something truly special to the show. Displayed in the main lobby all weekend will be the No. 10 IndyCar driven by Alex Palou to the 2025 IndyCar Championship—a must-see for racing fans and watch enthusiasts alike. Be sure to pick up your complimentary Windup Watch Fair guide along with the latest issue of WatchPro magazine, our inaugural Official Print Media Sponsor. While you’re there, scan our giveaway QR code for a chance to win prizes from our pals at Vostok Europe and Rumpl. Inside the venue, don...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
A hands-on look at homage watches, from affordable divers to GMTs, to see when familiar design language feels worthwhile and when it becomes imitation.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We tested five of the best dive watches made of titanium to see which ones actually deliver on comfort, durability, daily wear, and real tool-watch appeal.
Fratello
Today, we’ll take a brief look at a stunning new timepiece. With the Balancier QM, Greubel Forsey announces a new hand-finishing standard. What’s more, this new bar applies to every component within the caliber. That’s 298 pieces! Best of all, the watch is offered in a perfectly wearable case. Shall we investigate? Greubel Forsey makes […] Visit The New Greubel Forsey Balancier QM Takes Hand-Finishing To A Whole New Level to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Happy Friday, friends, and congrats on tackling another week. The days are now growing shorter (if you're north of the equator), and if you, like me, live in a state where fireworks are legal, best of luck for what will presumably be a very loud and long week. But before all that, let's take a moment and enjoy some watches. Scorekeeping last week's picks, the Dugena and Mulco chronographs don't sell till the 27th, but the Rolex 6241 sold for 2,000,000 CHF, the Patek 5960 for 34,000 CHF, the Excelsior Park Monte Carlo passed, the Longines for TKTK (emailed, price not updated), and the Tavannes for TKTK (sells 6/25). Strays For all the Movado heads, this pocket watch looks spectacular, and if that doesn't ring your cherries, here's a gold-plated dual-time that's almost intimidatingly beautiful. My urge to recommend no-name skin divers will apparently never abate, and this week's pick is this Altitude that looks fantastic and is unlikely to sell for more than a few hundred dollars. Speaking of excellent divers, here's a Lip Nautic Ski, and, sure, it's a quartz watch from the 1970s, so (some) headaches await (though the watch is currently running, according to the listing), but I'm lately unable to shake an intense fondness for these latter Piquerez super compressor cases with their huge bezel and recessed crowns. Lastly, this Ebel is perfect; please buy it, someone, so I can stop thinking and debating if I should pursue the thing. Before getting into the main watches, I'd lik...
Hodinkee
I made a decision long ago to never use Hodinkee as a personal platform – rather, to keep it to professional writing about things that impact people who come here solely for watches. Today, I may be breaking my own rule, but sometimes, some things are worth it – or in this case, some people. Om Malik died yesterday at Stanford Hospital after a prolonged fight with issues related to his heart. For those who don't know Om, he was born in India, educated in the UK, and was one of the first people to take legacy media brands online (he was a founding member of the Forbes.com team in 1997!) After that, he launched an early and important digital business publication called GigaOm, as well as contributing to the likes of Business 2.0, the WSJ, and more. He is credited with being among the first people to cite companies that would shape the world, such as Twitter, and being part of their fabric at times. One such example is Hodinkee. Om reached out to me via Twitter in January of 2012. I went back tonight and checked. In those early emails, we talked mostly about watches – he attended an event I hosted for the Harry Winston Opus 12. And another for the Cartier ID2. He came to Nomos launch parties (before they were in the USA), and the same for Tudor. He was early and awesome with Hodinkee, and watches for that matter, but that's not why I'm writing this post tonight. Om practicing his love of time lapse photography with me on a trip to the Bay Area. Om changed my life. ...
Fratello
It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for the Omega Speedmaster, and over the years, I’ve collected several of them. But beyond the watches, I also find myself collecting Moonwatch-related items, such as old catalogs, pins, pens, boxes, and books. To date, the best book on the topic is Moonwatch Only. From the […] Visit Moonwatch Dials: The Most Expensive Book I’ve Ever Bought to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Our favorite brown-dial pieces to fill a colorway niche in your collection, because everyone loves a little eye candy. More
Hodinkee
It felt inevitable. Just over six months after an F.P. Journe narrowly missed joining a certain historic list of wristwatches dominated by Patek Philippe and Rolex with the $10.75 million sale of Francis Ford Coppola's personal FFC at Phillips New York (a record for the brand), one finally reached that rarified air. François-Paul Journe invented it. He made it. The market made it historic. The F.P. Journe Souscription Chronomètre à Résonance no. 007 is now the fifth-most expensive wristwatch ever sold and the third-most expensive watch sold not for charity. Arguably Journe's most important and emblematic model, a confluence of details made this example—which crossed the auction block on Saturday, June 13—the one to own, at least according to bidders. To the tune of almost $14 million, no less. In some ways, it seems the perfect cap to a wild shift in the market where, in less than a year, F.P. Journe has become more closely watched than other previously preferred blue-chip brands and references. And yet, the market is so hot that there were a number of remarkable results from the New York, Geneva, and Hong Kong auctions. Not for nothing, but a Patek Philippe 5004 is now a $5 million watch, not only blowing out the previous non-charity record ($1.5 million for Michael Ovitz's platinum example, which was sold last fall), but eclipsing the 5004T for OnlyWatch (which sold for $4 million, give or take, back in 2013). And the fresh-to-market pink gold, satin-cased Pate...
Time+Tide
Seiko releases two new limited edition Astron GPS Solar models with colored dials inspired by quartz crystals.
Fratello
All watch collectors have one watch that they will never part with. It might not be the most expensive piece in the collection, the rarest, or even the one that gets the most wrist time. Sometimes, a watch becomes irreplaceable for reasons that have very little to do with specifications, market value, or prestige. In […] Visit Fratello Talks: Watches We Would Never Sell to read the full article.
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